Moving a gun safe, especially a full-sized steel one, can be a daunting task due to its weight and size. While the bulk of a heavy safe is an excellent deterrent for thieves, it poses significant challenges when it comes to relocation. At Mike Ward’s Liberty Safes, we prioritize your safety and security. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you move your gun safe safely and efficiently.
Why You Should Consider Professional Movers
Experience
Professional safe movers are skilled in handling different scenarios without causing damage to your safe, home, or themselves.
Proper Equipment
Professionals use the right dollies, hand trucks, lifts, hoists, sliders, straps, and other specialized tools. Renting this equipment can be expensive and may end up costing nearly as much as hiring professionals.
Insurance
Licensed and insured professional movers provide peace of mind. In the rare event of damage, their insurance covers the cost.
Manpower
A professional team will have the necessary number of helpers who are well-versed in safe-moving techniques.
Essential Safety Tips for Moving a Gun Safe on Your Own
If you decide to move your gun safe without professional help, follow these essential tips to ensure safety and efficiency.
1. Empty Your Safe
Before moving your safe, remove all contents. This reduces weight and prevents items from shifting during the move, which can cause tipping or imbalance.
2. Measure Everything
Measure your safe, doorways, halls, and any tight spots along your moving path. Ensure the safe will fit through all spaces without getting stuck. Consider creating a cardboard mock-up to test your route.
3. Plan for Weight
Know the weight of your empty and loaded safe. Ensure that your moving equipment and the destination floor or stairs can handle this weight.
4. Use Proper Moving Equipment
Rent or borrow heavy-duty equipment such as:
- Appliance dollies
- Hand trucks with straps
- Moving blankets
- Ramps and sturdy supports
5. Protect Your Safe and Home
Wrap your safe in moving blankets and secure it with plastic wrap to prevent damage to both the safe and your home's surfaces.
6. Never Move a Safe Alone
Always have at least three strong friends to help. Carefully tilt the safe and secure it to a dolly before moving. Use a loading ramp for trucks.
7. Check Load Ratings for Vehicles
Ensure your vehicle or rented trailer can handle the safe’s weight. Secure the safe properly in the vehicle to prevent tipping.
8. Avoid Using the Safe’s Handle
Never use the handle to lift or move the safe. Doing so can damage the handle or lock mechanism.
9. Wear Proper Gear
Wear steel-toed boots and high-quality work gloves for better traction and hand protection.
Moving Techniques: Golf Balls and PVC Pipes
Golf Balls
Not recommended except on very smooth concrete. They can damage floors and are ineffective on carpet.
PVC Pipes
Effective on smooth floors like wood, concrete, and linoleum. Ensure the floor is clean to avoid getting the pipes stuck.
Final Steps: Bolting Down Your Safe
Once your safe is in its new location, bolt it down to prevent it from being moved by thieves. Bolting also eliminates the risk of the safe tipping over and injuring someone.
Moving a gun safe, especially a full-sized steel one, can be a daunting task due to its weight and size. While the bulk of a heavy safe is an excellent deterrent for thieves, it poses significant challenges when it comes to relocation. At Mike Ward’s Liberty Safes, we prioritize your safety and security. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you move your gun safe safely and efficiently.
Why You Should Consider Professional Movers
Experience
Professional safe movers are skilled in handling different scenarios without causing damage to your safe, home, or themselves.
Proper Equipment
Professionals use the right dollies, hand trucks, lifts, hoists, sliders, straps, and other specialized tools. Renting this equipment can be expensive and may end up costing nearly as much as hiring professionals.
Insurance
Licensed and insured professional movers provide peace of mind. In the rare event of damage, their insurance covers the cost.
Manpower
A professional team will have the necessary number of helpers who are well-versed in safe-moving techniques.
Essential Safety Tips for Moving a Gun Safe on Your Own
If you decide to move your gun safe without professional help, follow these essential tips to ensure safety and efficiency.
1. Empty Your Safe
Before moving your safe, remove all contents. This reduces weight and prevents items from shifting during the move, which can cause tipping or imbalance.
2. Measure Everything
Measure your safe, doorways, halls, and any tight spots along your moving path. Ensure the safe will fit through all spaces without getting stuck. Consider creating a cardboard mock-up to test your route.
3. Plan for Weight
Know the weight of your empty and loaded safe. Ensure that your moving equipment and the destination floor or stairs can handle this weight.
4. Use Proper Moving Equipment
Rent or borrow heavy-duty equipment such as:
- Appliance dollies
- Hand trucks with straps
- Moving blankets
- Ramps and sturdy supports
5. Protect Your Safe and Home
Wrap your safe in moving blankets and secure it with plastic wrap to prevent damage to both the safe and your home's surfaces.
6. Never Move a Safe Alone
Always have at least three strong friends to help. Carefully tilt the safe and secure it to a dolly before moving. Use a loading ramp for trucks.
7. Check Load Ratings for Vehicles
Ensure your vehicle or rented trailer can handle the safe’s weight. Secure the safe properly in the vehicle to prevent tipping.
8. Avoid Using the Safe’s Handle
Never use the handle to lift or move the safe. Doing so can damage the handle or lock mechanism.
9. Wear Proper Gear
Wear steel-toed boots and high-quality work gloves for better traction and hand protection.
Moving Techniques: Golf Balls and PVC Pipes
Golf Balls
Not recommended except on very smooth concrete. They can damage floors and are ineffective on carpet.
PVC Pipes
Effective on smooth floors like wood, concrete, and linoleum. Ensure the floor is clean to avoid getting the pipes stuck.
Final Steps: Bolting Down Your Safe
Once your safe is in its new location, bolt it down to prevent it from being moved by thieves. Bolting also eliminates the risk of the safe tipping over and injuring someone.*Check before drilling into a post tension foundation this could cause damage.
Moving a gun safe is a complex and potentially dangerous task. While DIY moving is possible, the safest and most efficient way is to hire professional movers. At Mike Ward’s Liberty Safes, we recommend contacting your local dealer for expert moving services. Remember, safety first – both for you and your valuable safe. And as always, lock them up securely.
For more expert tips and advice, visit our website and stay informed on the best practices for safe and vault moving.